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Elecampane Inula helenium

Other plants called Elecampane:

Phonetic Spelling
IN-yoo-luh hel-EH-nee-um
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Elecampane is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is a very recent introduction to North America. A native of Europe, this perennial weed has been introduced to several nurseries in contaminated hostas and daylilies from the Netherlands. Once introduced, the plant spreads aggressively by thick, fleshy roots that produce new shoots. Plants form rosettes of long, thin leaves that resemble some asters or fleabanes. The leaves also resemble buckhorn plantain leaves except plantain leaves have five distinct parallel veins while Elecamane leaves have netted veins. Leaves remain green through the winter.

Plants require a chilling period to flower. In the spring plants spread rapidly, then in early to mid-summer flowering stems begin to elongate. Plants produce attractive, typical aster-like flowers, yellow to light orange in color. It is unclear whether or not the species produces viable seeds in North America. Because the plant primarily reproduces vegetatively, preemergence herbicides commonly used are not effective. It is nearly impossible to remove all of the root pieces; consequently, if a container plant is infested it should be destroyed before the weed can spread.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Its weedy tendencies and may cause contact dermatitis in some people.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#biennial#yellow flowers#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#spreading#wooly leaves#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#contact dermatitis#perennial#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#biennial#yellow flowers#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#spreading#wooly leaves#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#contact dermatitis#perennial#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Inula
    Species:
    helenium
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The root of this plant is used for flavoring the alcoholic beverage absinthe.
    Life Cycle:
    Biennial
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Temp. Eurasia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Head
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    more than 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Narrow, string-like yellow petals
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Velvety
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Large, rough alternate leaves with a woolly underside.; finely toothed, basal leaves are 10-12 in. long; 1/2-1 in. wide, narrows at the base into long stalks; upper leaves are smaller, stalkless and often clasp the stem by heart-shaped base; densely woolly stems. Leaves have netted veins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Leaf Scar Shape:
    Heart or shield shaped
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Densley woolly
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    May cause local dermatitis after handling.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alantolactone
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves